LOWER rates of sports participation among women is a problem that hits the entire nation, according to the Sports Council For Wales.

LOWER rates of sports participation among women is a problem that hits the entire nation, according to the Sports Council For Wales.

Now the sports council is actively offering cash for schools and leisure centres that offer exercise classes for women.

Their Girls First and Fit In campaigns are the inspiration behind Carmarthenshire County Council's new policy.

"We offer money on a plate really," said a sports council spokeswoman.

"But that money performs a vital role if it gets women and girls into taking exercise."

She denied that the money concentrated on female activities at the expense of men. "We have found that although our campaign focuses on females, the participation levels have been going up for men too.

"There is more motivation for boys and men because our culture focuses on football and rugby. There are enough male sporting role models already - but women need a boost much more than men do."

The sports council's new Fit In campaign seeks to redress the balance when it comes to sporting role models.

"It is just kicking off and hopefully lots of people will realise that exercise suits everyone," said the spokeswoman.

She said it was ironic that many women shunned exercise despite the cult of celebrity fitness that dominates women's magazines. "It is very much a confidence thing - many women do not like to be scrutinised. But if we can kick-start more Welsh women into an exercise routine, then they will see real benefits."